The latest news about Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia. Putin generated worldwide controversy with the signing of the so-called gay propaganda laws in Russia, which prohibited LGBT representation in the media as well as public displays and protests that can be seen by children. A long-time officer in the KGB, Vladimir Putin assumed office in 2000, succeeding Boris Yeltsin after he resigned from office. Critics have questioned his status as a democratic leader, with many branding him as a dictator.

Russia's Constitutional Court dismissed a challenge from one of the nation's most prominent LGBT activists contending that the nationwide ban on so-called gay propaganda violated the Russian Constitution.

Russian president Vladimir Putin told national sports officials today that his administration will 'do everything' to make sure LGBT athletes and spectators are 'comfortable' at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.